The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) has taken a significant step towards global collaboration and mobility in the accountancy profession. In a move that reflects both forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to international best practices, SOCPA has recently launched its fellowship examination in two languages (Arabic and English) and opened fellowship eligibility to qualified professionals from around the world.

This initiative embraces diversity, facilitates the movement of talent across borders, and strengthens the country’s position in the global accountancy community.

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ahmad almeghames
Dr. Ahmad Almeghames

Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA)

Dr. Ahmad Almeghames serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) since 2006. With more than 25 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and professional regulation, he has been playing a key role in advancing the accounting profession in Saudi Arabia and across the region.

He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Mississippi State University, United States, and began his career in academia at King Saud University before assuming leadership roles at SOCPA. Under his leadership, SOCPA has strengthened its position as a leading voice in global accounting reform and innovation.

Internationally, Dr. Almeghames is a Board Member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and Chair of the Regional Partnership for promotion of Sustainability Reporting under UNCTAD-ISAR. He also represents Saudi Arabia in the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting.

Throughout his career, Dr. Almeghames has contributed significantly to the development of international best practices in financial reporting, quality assurance, and sustainability. His leadership has been recognized globally, including receiving the ICAEW Award for outstanding contribution to the profession.

Wesal Alqarawi

Communications and Public Relations Lead at the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA)

Wesal Alqarawi is a Communications and Public Relations Lead at the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA). In her role, she drives strategic communication initiatives that strengthen SOCPA’s influence in advancing the accounting and auditing profession in Saudi Arabia and internationally. She leads partnerships with key stakeholders, oversees high-profile events, and develops impactful communication strategies to enhance visibility and engagement.

With over a decade of experience spanning public relations, communications, and translation management, Wesal has held progressive leadership roles, including Team Lead at Vinnell Arabia, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, where she spearheaded quality initiatives and contributed to successful ISO certifications.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Translation from King Saud University and multiple certifications, including ISO 17100 & ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training. Recognized for her excellence, Wesal has received several awards, including SOCPA’s Employee of the Year (2023) and Northrop Grumman’s Global Quality Award (2017).

Michelle Cardwell
Michelle Cardwell

Principal

Michelle joined IFAC at the start of 2024, focusing on accountancy education, thought leadership, and international standards. In this role, she is part of the team responsible for IFAC’s International Education Standards, and works with the International Panel on Accountancy Education on revisions and supporting guidance. Michelle also supports IFAC’s work to promote the development, adoption, and implementation of high-quality international standards.

Michelle began her career at Deloitte, where she spent over eight years in their risk advisory practice, specializing in providing financial reporting and financial management advice on a range of complex central government and transport projects. After leaving Deloitte, Michelle spent time at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), as well as the UK Financial Reporting Council’s Lab. In both roles, she was responsible for developing guidance, thought leadership, and policy pieces on a range of financial reporting, assurance, and sustainability topics.

Michelle is a chartered accountant (ICAEW). She holds a MSc in Public Policy and Administration from the London School of Economics, and a BS in Political Science and a BA in American Studies, both from Arizona State University.

Dana Jensen
Dana Jensen

Head of Engagement for MENA & the Caribbean, IFAC

Dana Jensen is the Head of Engagement for MENA & the Caribbean at the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), where she works closely with professional accountancy organizations (PAOs), regulators, and development partners to advance adoption of international standards, strengthen governance, and support sustainable growth of the profession.

She also leads IFAC’s PAO Development & Advisory Group, which provides global thought leadership on strategic planning, value proposition, and good governance for PAOs worldwide.

Trilingual in Arabic, French, and English, Dana brings a global perspective shaped by her earlier work with the United Nations Department for Peacekeeping Operations. She holds an MSc from Columbia University and a Diploma in Islamic Finance from CIMA, and has contributed to IFAC’s initiatives on Islamic finance, sustainability, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies such as AI.

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